Reports say crowds in Gaza watched the final on projector screens and celebrated Spain’s success. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly sent congratulations to King Felipe VI, while Hamas also praised the result.
The reaction reportedly followed months of criticism from Spain’s government over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Madrid has backed Palestinian statehood and adopted one of Europe’s more outspoken positions on the conflict, giving the national team’s success added political weight.
Spain’s victory has been framed by regional political figures as evidence of a wider public mood. Reports say officials in Iran and Yemen’s Houthi movement welcomed the result, linking it to Spain’s position on Gaza and its broader regional stance.
That response contrasts with reports that Israeli politicians and supporters backed Argentina. The divide underlines how international football can become a proxy for national identity, foreign policy and public solidarity, particularly during a major tournament.
The connection has also touched Spain’s players. Lamine Yamal reportedly attracted attention after appearing with a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s title celebrations in May, a moment that Spain’s political leadership treated as a source of pride.
The story is therefore not simply about a trophy. Spain’s reported triumph has offered Palestinians and their supporters a rare moment of collective celebration, while Madrid’s political stance has shaped how the result is viewed far beyond Europe.
The next storyline will be whether Spain’s players, federation and government continue to address political issues around future internationals. As the next tournament cycle develops, the team’s football will remain central-but so too will the symbolism attached to the shirt.